Jesse White to announce re-election bid

SPRINGFIELD (AP) – Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is gearing up to announce his re-election bid for a fifth term in office.

White will make it official Thursday morning at a downtown Chicago hotel, campaign spokesman Dave Druker said Wednesday, adding that Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is also expected to attend.

White, a 79-year-old Democrat, easily won his previous elections and any Republican challenger would have a difficult time beating him. White served as a state representative for 16 years and as Cook County's recorder of deeds.

He's also known for the Jesse White Tumbling Team, a gymnastics group he founded for children living in public housing. He still performs with the group.

Illinois GOP officials told the Springfield bureau of Lee Enterprises Newspapers they are still talking to potential candidates, but that mounting a challenge may be difficult.

"I think you have to admit it would be a tough one to win," said Republican state Sen. Kyle McCarter, of Lebanon.

White heads into the election with about $470,000 in his campaign accounts.